Biska Jatra, one of Nepal’s most colorful and energetic festivals, marks the Nepali New Year with grand celebrations in Bhaktapur and the surrounding areas. If you’re looking to experience Biska Jatra live—whether in person or online—this guide covers everything you need to know: traditions, dates, live-streaming options, and travel tips.
What is Biska Jatra?
Biska Jatra (also spelled Bisket Jatra) is a week-long festival celebrated mainly in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It combines Hindu and indigenous Newar traditions, featuring:
✔ Chariot processions of deities
✔ ChariotT Pulling rituals between communities
✔ Cultural dances, music, and feasts
✔ The iconic erection of the “Yosin” pole (symbolizing victory over evil)
The festival’s highlight is the chaotic yet thrilling live events, where locals and tourists gather to witness the vibrant chaos.
Biska Jatra 2025 Dates & Schedule
The festival follows the lunar calendar, so dates change yearly. In 2025, Biska Jatra is expected to fall around the following dates:
📅 Main Events: April 12–18, 2025
📅 Yosin Pole Ceremony: April 14 (New Year’s Day)
Pro Tip: Confirm exact dates closer to the event, as they depend on the Bikram Sambat
Why Biska Jatra is a Must-See Cultural Event
✅ Unique Rituals: The tug-of-war between Thane and Dewa communities symbolizes ancient rivalries.
✅ Vibrant Atmosphere: Streets filled with music, masked dancers, and cheering crowds.
✅ Photography Paradise: Stunning visuals of chariots, traditional attire, and historic backdrops calendar.
How Biska Jatra is celebrated in Bhaktapur ?
Biska Jatra is one of Nepal’s most popular festivals with lots of cultural and historical significance. The Jatra was started from the five-storied temple courtyard after worshiping the main deity of Bhairavanath and the main deity of Betal in a three-storied chariot built in pagoda style according to the Tantric method.
The three-story chariot of Bhairavnath built in the local Toumadhi area is celebrated by local people by stretching the ropes placed in front and back of the chariot and pulling the Kwane (lower) area and the Thane (upper) area to celebrate the Jatra.
Locals pull ropes in front of the chariot and try to take it to their villages. By pulling the chariot in this way, wherever the chariot can be taken to the lower or upper tol, that tol is considered victorious.
Chariot pulling is the main attraction of this Jatra. It is a tradition that the first day’s journey ends after the chariot is taken to the local Gahhiti village.
Biska Jatra Story and its cultural aspect
On the first day of the Jatra, the Biska Jatra started by pulling the chariots of Bhairavanath and Bhadrakali. According to Vikram Samvat, Biska Jatra, which is held based on the solar month, has been celebrated since Lichchavikal based on the meaning of Bishseet (Naganagin died).
Regarding the historical aspect of the Jatra, the culturalist and historian Purushottam Lochan Shrestha says that in the tamsuk letter of Nepal Samvat 500 found in Thimima, the word Bisik was mentioned as a synonym for Vishwa Ketu.
Watch Biska Jatra live
Can’t travel? Many Nepali TV channels and YouTube channels broadcast the festival live. Check:
Biska Jatra live here
- Social media updates (#BiskaJatra on Facebook/Instagram)
- Nepal Television (NTV)
- YouTube streams (search “Biska Jatra live 2025”)
Biska Jatra Facebook Live Links
- Bhaktapur Radio Live links
- Namaste Khowpa TV Live links
- Sarokar TV live link
- Khowpa Television Live Link
- Hamro Kala Sanskriti
Past Biska Jatra Live Videos
Biska Live video 2080 |Sarokar TV
Bisaka jatra bhaktapur live video from hamro jatra
Biska Live video 2080 online video from facebook
Biska Jatra Live | lyoshing Thanegu Jatra | 2077-12-31 | From Bhadgaun Television
Biska Jatra Live | lyoshing Thanegu Jatra | 2077-12-31 | From Bhaktapurians Page
Bisket Jatra Live From Bhaktapur Fm
Biska Jatra live from Nepaliko Television
FAQs About Biska Jatra
Q: Is Biska Jatra the same as Bisket Jatra?
A: Yes! Both spellings refer to the same festival.
Q: Can tourists participate in the rituals?
A: You can watch, but some ceremonies (like pulling chariots) are for locals only.
Q: What’s the best day to visit?
A: New Year’s Day (when the Yosin pole is raised) is the most exciting.
Very informative post loving it.
thanks